Supporting Our SRCS Community - Reported Increased Immigration Enforcement

Supporting Our SRCS Community Reported Increased Immigration Enforcement

Dear San Rafael City Schools Community, We recognize that recent reports regarding an increased immigration enforcement presence in the Bay Area are causing worry and concern among our SRCS community. We are also following the latest development that the federal government may be calling off potential federal deployment in San Francisco; it is not clear what impact this would have for surrounding Bay Area communities.  In any scenario, we want to take the opportunity to remind our families that our schools continue to be welcoming spaces for every student and we remain deeply dedicated to supporting all families, regardless of immigration status. Our community has a long-standing commitment to protecting and supporting our immigrant communities. Resources We have been working closely with our partners at the Marin Rapid Response Network (MRRN) - our local lead agency on this issue. They have been working alongside our community to prepare for any enforcement and they have plans in place to help support a response to any activity. Furthermore, along with their local partners, they have put together this helpful document to help the community prepare and respond immediately in the event of immigration enforcement [English | Spanish]. MRRN has summarized this information in the attached graphics in Spanish.   The Marin County Office of Education also has a website with information and resources for families, both in Spanish and English. District Protocols We also want to remind our families of the clear protocols we have in place to help ensure students are safe in our schools. Specifically: We do not allow immigration enforcement onto a school campus unless the agency has a valid judicial warrant or court order. Staff know to refer all visitors directly to the school office, and principals and school administrators are to communicate directly with the Superintendent's Office and our legal team. As reference, all schools have the resource, "What to do if an immigration-enforcement officer comes to your school?", a Quick Reference for School Officials from the California Department of Justice. A new State law (SB 98) strengthens our commitment to keeping all students safe and secure. If there are confirmed immigration enforcement agents on a school campus, the District will immediately notify all students, families and staff.  Staff are prohibited from sharing any information about any student’s or family’s immigration status.  Every student belongs at SRCS, and we are here to support you. We will continue to coordinate closely with our local partners and above all, remain committed to providing a safe and healthy learning environment for all students. Sincerely, Carmen Diaz Ghysels Superintendent      San Rafael City Schools www.srcs.org  |  communications@srcs.org 310 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 94903